查看文章

Dysphagia with subsequent aspiration occurs in up to 60% of acute respiratory failure (ARF) survivors. Accurate bedside tests for aspiration can reduce aspiration-related complications while minimizing delay of oral nutrition. In a cohort of ARF survivors, we determined the accuracy of the bedside swallowing evaluation (BSE) and its components for detecting aspiration.

Patients who were extubated after at least 24 hours of mechanical ventilation were eligible for enrollment. Within 3 days of extubation, patients underwent comprehensive BSE including 3-oz water swallowing test (3-WST), followed by a criterion standard test for aspiration, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES).

Forty-five patients were included in the analysis. Median patient age was 55 years (interquartile range, 47-65). Median duration of mechanical ventilation was 3.3 days (interquartile range 1.8-6.0 …